Kohima, April 1: The Naga Peoples Front (NPF) formally launched its party office
in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh by forming Ad-hoc Executive Committees in both the
states.

Launching the party in the two states in the Executive Committee meeting at the NPF
Central Office here yesterday, Nagaland Chief Minister and NPF Adviser Neiphiu Rio
said the party’s intention is not to create problem in other states, but to work
for the Nagas who have been discriminated against and suppressed.

He said the decision to launch NPF in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh was taken after
a series of consultations and discussions with the people and leaders of the two
states.

On the prospect of NPF particularly in Manipur due to the volatile situation, Rio
said it would be too early to comment about the prospect but added that NPF would
take up issues confronting Naga people there as it is a people's party.

The NPF will fight for the justice and see that it is delivered to them, and at the
same time work for the unity and reconciliation of Naga people.

NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu informed in the meeting that he would soon write
letters to political parties in these two states to recognise his party.

He also announced the names of the Ad-hoc Executive Committee members of Manipur
and Arunachal Pradesh. UNI

Everest Expedition flagged off by Governor

ITANAGAR, April 1: It is going to be landmark event in the history of adventure sports
of Arunachal Pradesh, said Governor JJ Singh, while flagging off Team Arunachal members
of the Mt Everest Expedition 2011 at a small but impressive function at Raj Bhavan
here today. The team consists of two young ladies, Anshu Jamsenpa from Bomdila
and Tine Mena from Roing and will be guided by Dr. K. R. Meetei and two time Everester
Karma Gyaltsen, consultant from Bhutan.

“We will be happiest people when you scaled the highest mountain. You will not only
bring good name to State and the country but also your home town and family”, Governor
said. He further said “Arunachal Pradesh has the largest section of Himalayan range
and it is appropriate that we take lead in adventure sports, white water rafting
and water skiing. With inspirational figure like Tapi Mra, we definitely can do it”,
Governor pointed.

He also informed that National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS)
at Dirang will be coming up very soon.

A mountaineer himself and trained under world renowned mountaineers, late Tenzing
Norgay and Nawang Gombu, Gen Singh advising them said, once on the mountain, never
take unnecessary risk and be absolutely careful particularly in following safety
norms. Be fit and always prevent injuries. Gen Singh, who flagged off the successful
All Women Expedition to Everest of Indian Army, where four climbers scaled the highest
peak and Maratha Regiment Expedition during his tenure as Chief of Indian Army expressed
his hope that this expedition will also be a successful one.

On behalf of people of Arunachal Pradesh, Governor conveyed best wishes to the mountaineers.
He also announced financial assistance to them and presented team Arunachal Badges.

We are looking forward for your success, said State First Lady Anupama Singh, while
interacting with the climbers during the Flag Off ceremony. She also appreciated
State Sports officials and said, it is very good initiative.

Secretary to Governor Ankur Garg, State Sports and Youth affairs Director D K Dinglow,
First Arunachalee Everester Tapi Mra, Arunachal Mountaineering and Adventure Sports
Association President Tsering Wange, Dr. K. R. Meetei and two times Everester Karma
Gyaltsen, consultant from Bhutan along with State Sports officials were present on
the occasion. (PRO to Raj Bhavan)

Renovated roads in Pasighat Township develop cracks within a month

PASIGHAT, April 1: The road condition within Pasighat Township remains a big hurdle
for the people even after the celebration of Pasighat centenary. The roads were re-carpeted
during its glorious celebration recently.

It is worth mentioning here that department of Urban Development (DUDA),Pasighat
has awarded re-carpeting or blacktopping of roads within Pasighat market area to
M/s Tama Fabrications through open bidding and accordingly the roads were blacktopped/carpeted
in February last.

But, just after completion of only a month of carpeting and maintenance, the same
roads are re-filled with potholes and cracks everywhere, said the Forum for Siang
Dialogue (FSD).

FSD who is spearheading the movement against such irresponsible activities in the
district strongly condemned the role of department of Urban Development, Pasighat
for negligence in their duty. It said that the executing department should visits
the work site to check using of cheap and low standard road construction materials.
It urged the public of Pasighat town to raise their voice against such corrupt officials
and contractors and come out to show their solidarity in fight against corruption
and evil practices by departments and individuals against the safety, peace, comfort,
development and tranquility of the town.

It also appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, Pasighat to initiate an enquiry into
the matter and book the wrong doers immediately to reinstate the faith and confidence
of the public upon the district administration.

APCF opposes enhancement

of retirement age

ITANAGAR, April 1: Arunachal Pradesh Colleges' Forum (APCF) has vehemently opposed
any move to enhance retirement age of the Govt servant from the existing 58 years
to 60.

Reiterating its one-point memorandum submitted to Chief Minister on Sept 30 last
year opposing raising of superannuation age of Govt servants, the Forum said that
retirement age should be 58. It served a 30 days ultimatum to Govt to drop any
move to enhance superannuation age.

The Forum further said that move to enhance the age of superannuation from 58 years
to 60 years for state government servants would be like playing with the destiny
and career of growing unemployed youths of the state. Arunachal Pradesh today needs
fresh blood, educated, trained, devoted and dedicated young officers to lead us to
the dawn of a new era, the Forum said while adding that the obnoxious idea of increasing
the age of retirement should be dropped, or else it would lead to the serious consequences.

Brigadier lauds tribal culture,

stresses on preservation

AALO, April 1: Tribal culture not only produces a distinct identity but enriches
us with their wide range of custom, belief, faith and practices, observed Brigadier
B.K. Pandey, Commander 5 Mountain Brigade Aalo while gracing the cultural competition
as Chief Guest on the eve of Mopin Festival held at Gumin Kine on March 31 last.

For the Galos, there cannot be a better platform than Mopin to echo their ethos and
hypes associated with the festival. The group dance competition on the theme of Mopin
festival by more than twenty troupes was not only lively but gives us a deep insight
into tribal music and folklores handed down from generation to generation. The Army
gets the opportunity to know the tribal ways of life by virtue of their posting places
in various parts of the country but hardly find time to share every movements of
their rejoicings to be a friend of the hill people, he rued.

The Dignitaries also released the Mopin Souvenir and CD Album to mark the Occasion.

The Guest of Honour, S.K. Pandey, Commandant 44 BRTF Aalo had words of encouragement.
He called upon the festive revelers to keep up the healthy tradition and promote
tradition and moral values that bind the Galo Community.

The MLA Aalo East Jarkar Gamlin called for mass participation in such festivity to
show unity and oneness among the members of the community.

The President CMCC, Emar Ete and Secretary Deba Loya also gave their Mopin greetings
and appealed one and all for cooperation to make the event ahead a successful one.
Hikar Gumin, Sipu Colony and Gaur Hill emerged first, 2nd and 3rd respectively in
the Group Dance Competition. DIPRO

MMS scandal: Spl enquiry

committee sought

ITANAGAR, April 1: All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) urged Home Department
to constitute a special committee to investigate the Daporijo MMA scandal.

Describing that Daporijo incident has once again reflected the dark side of man in
uniform, AAPYO said that the heinous crime committed by police, who are said to be
the protector of law, deserve condemnation from all sections of the society.

It demanded the authorities concerned to arrest the main accused immediately and
award him exemplary punishment as per the provision law or else the union would be
compelled to resort to other democratic means such as bandh call in the coming days
to let its voice reach the Government.

Lower Subansiri district unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) expressed surprised
over delay in awarding punishment to the culprits even after getting solid evidence
against them. It hoped that the authority would initiate action against all the accused
without further delay and punish them to the satisfaction of all as per law.

While extending its support to the proposed bandh call given by the All Upper Subansiri
District Students Union (AUSDSU) in protest against MMS scandal, the Capital Complex
Karga Ao Welfare Society today threatened to launch an economic blockade in all Karga-inhabited
areas – Baririjo, Maro and Dumporijo under Upper Subansiri and Gensi, Sibe and Kangku
circles of West Siang district for an indefinite period in case the authorities
fail to arrest the main accused in MMS scandal, ASI Boham Bo, within April 12 next.

76th Utkal Diwas celebrated

By Staff Reporter

NIRJULI, April 1: The relation of Arunachal Pradesh with Orissa is centuries-old
when Orissan artisans came to this remote land to build temples with rocks brought
from Orissa as evident from the ruins of the Malini temple, said Chief Information
Commissioner Y D Thongchi.

Addressing the Oriya community living in Arunachal on the occasion of 76th Utkal
Diwas as a special invitee here today, Thongchi said that besides art and culture
the Oriyas have been immensely contribnuting towards the socio-econimic development
of the state.

The research department during excavation at Malinithan near Likabali has discovered
a temple, divine images, icons of deities, animal motifs and floral designs, carved
columns and panels. These rich granite sculptures discovered belong to 14th-15th
century built in Orisan style. The department still is conducting further study whose
outcome would give a new dimension to the relation between the peoples of both the
states.

He paid his rich tribute to Biju Pattanaik, a federal pilot during the Second World
War belonging to Orissa then known as Kalinga, whose Kalinga Airlines later used
to transport essential commodities and people to various remote parts of the state.
Congratulating the Oriyas on the auspicious occasion, he said that numerous Oriyas
in various fields, including doctors and teachers are serving in remote parts of
the state even today and urged them continue to help Arunachal, which is poised for
a speedy development.

Thongchi also felicitated noted Oriya poet Bipin Patsani (a teacher) after releasing
his two poetry books – Another Voyage and Home Coming - to mark the occasion.

Joining Thongchi in extending good wishes to the people of Odisha, State Election
Commissioner K D Singh said that it was Kalinga war which had turned the great king
Ashoka from Chandasoka to Dharmasoka to embrace Buddhism and spread it in South East
Asia.

Giving a historical background of Orissa, which became an independent state in 1936,
Singh said the state is known for its Jagganath culture, which believes in Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam (the whole world is one) and urged Oriyas to contribute their might to
nation building.

The students of Nrityangana presented a colourful cultural programme befitting the
occasion.

Army provides school infrastructure

in Longding

KHONSA, April 1: As part of its Operation Sadbhavana campaign, 14 Rajput under aegis
of Dah division upgraded infrastructure of three schools of Longding sub division
of Tirap district. On March 29, the renovated school infrastructure comprising of
new toilets and water supply was dedicated to Middle School Longding and Niausa by
Col AP Agarwal, Commanding Officer of the unit in presence of N Wangsu, ADC Longding,
officials of civil administration, and students.

Navodaya Girls Hostel at Tewai got its new look after the renovation of its hostel
rooms on Mar 30. The hostel was provided with mattresses, pillows, bed sheets, and
pillow covers. One 21`` colour television and cable TV connection was provided for
information cum entertainment room in the hostel. Army also donated accessories for
badminton to the children. The said project was inaugurated by SP Tirap, Vikramjit
Singh. Col AP Agarwal, CO 14 RAJPUT was also present at the function. The project
was aimed at improving the standard of schools and imbibe sense of hygiene and sanitation
in the youth. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Tewai, Vikramjit Singh emphasized
on significance of girl education and role of women in a responsible society. He
stressed on the higher education of the girls and urged their parents to ensure that
they continue with further education and do well in the future. On being informed
regarding non availability of staff at the school, SP Tirap ensured that he will
take up the matter at appropriate level.

Army donates computers

As part of Operation Sadbhavana, 14 Rajput of Dah Division initiated computer literacy
project in Pongchou village of Tirap district on March 29. The village located on
Indo – Myanmar border which has been frequented by UGs over past one decade got their
first computer center. Under the project Army provided four computers along with
accessories, furniture, printer and computer books to the school. Computer literacy
programme for children has been initiated as a step to develop interest in Information
Technology in the remote areas.

Col AP Agarwal, while dedicating the computers at Middle School Pongchou urged the
school staff that students should get maximum benefit from the computers. He also
stressed upon importance of IT education in today’s world. The function was attended
by officer from Staff Education Department.

Moopin and Festivals

Duri Taipodia

The Galoos are one of the major tribes of TANII DESCENDENTS who migrated from Tibet
long long ago after the death of ABO TANII, the first human being on earth as tradition
says. Whatever the art and culture known today among the TANII DESCENDENTS, particularly
the Galoos is coming down from the time of ABO TANII and from him only for the generations
to come later on.

These days the culture of TANII group is seemed to be categorized into two as one
being called ‘DOONYI POOLO CULTURE’, and the other ‘TERI JIMII CULTURE’. The first
one is handled by today’s priestly group and the other is a culture in which the
tradition depicts and tells ABO TANII as the only hero on the earth from his birth
to his death.

The feelings and understandings about the things he found around him gave him some
ideas and senses. His quality whatever he had; his boldness by nature; his loss of
two supernatural eyes called ‘SAPRO’; blessings from ABII TAKII, the elder brother
for him for the loss of his SAPRO gave him the only first knowledge of education
in olden sense and some important experiences. His association with various types
of wild animals, birds and plants as wives on different times made him feel the necessity
of a conjugal life. His marriage with ANYI MUMSI (MUMII/MUMDII) the heavenly girl-through
trickery brought him the system of marriage and the art of making household implements
and keeping of livestock. He was successful in keeping the heavenly blood of his
wife pure through their daughter, NIISI, who was accepted as only wife on maturity
by the father himself later on good advice of mother, MUMSI after her departure from
ABO TANII. The training imparted by ABII TAKII, the elder brother made him know to
trap and catch fishes, wild animals and birds. To make deities out of raw materials;
offerings of sacrifices; the way of offerings the sacrificing services on alters
had been the only legacy impartial, valuable and meaningful suggestions and advices
to ABO TANII from the side of elder brother ABI TAKII and from his heavenly father-in-law-father
of ANYE MUMSI—are only precious heritage for ABO TANII.

The feelings of confidence; superiority; and an attitude of enmity towards the monkeys
of that time had been very much successful in bringing about a character of recklessness
to ABO TANII and, to make the enmity lasting one. The tour to the land of TAKAR TAJO;
his dealings with the people of TAKAR TAJO- by capturing ten mithuns from them through
trickery; the accidental visit accompanied by KIIPU-his only pet dog following after
a deer to the region of peace and prosperity and agriculture made ABO TANII rich
in livestock and bring various types of seedlings including paddy for agricultural
cultivation to his region and experience of one night’s polygamy with the wife of
PAAPUU RUULII-The mouse-outside his own station. The exploration to the land of DIGO—Mother
of crops—made ABO TANI cultivates his fertile and beautiful landscape and made him
know the use of rice flour and rice beer in the form of alcohol first time during
the last part of his life.

The feelings, understandings, whatever knowledge acquired out of the events and experiences
throughout his life ABO TANII told all those experiences to his children in the form
of a set of instructions to be followed strictly, fairly and regularly by the generations
to come later on. Those instructions have been handing over down and down to newer
generations through ages and that is called the original culture or ‘TERI JIMII CULTURE’
which is still intact and free from pollution and modification. The ‘TERI JIMII’
is derived from the habits; practices; understandings; knowledge; and other activities
of ABO TANII during his life time.

Practices include two types of activities such as ‘OBSERVANCE’ and ‘CELEBRATION’
which follows the change of seasons timely and meaningful in its real sense. In another
way the observances and celebrations are known as festivals or DIGO BARJI and PODII
BARJI. The change of seasons means the migration of season which explains the revolving
action of the year, the month or time. So, DIGO BARJI and PODII BARJI are festivals
along with which there are many other observances and celebrations like observance
for newly constructed house; for new born child ; newly bought mithun or mithuns;
for new couple; new agricultural cultivation; new harvest; marriage ceremony; to
drive out famine from the locality—DIRI—and DOOGIN; PODII BARJI; MARII and MOOPIN.

DOOGIN, in its true sense, means migration—means change of season. PODII means father
whose abode or station is supposed to be located somewhere else in the upward portion
in the sky in the northern side in an imaginary region. So, PODII DOOGIN means the
migration of father. Likewise, PODII BARJI means happy occasion of father. Both denote
the happy occasion and the migration of father, PODII ABO. His migration takes place
regularly once in a year for duration of two months—specifically, the months of October
and November—as the name of the season is called ‘DIRAA’. The migration means visit
or tour of PODII ABO to the land of TANII, which makes a complete seasonal coverage
to all the parts of the earth—land and sea alike—and, after that he returns to his
paradise—BARJI TAGII GE, GUUTE GAMRO GE GUMBE——an imaginary land of PODII ABO.

After the visit or migration of PODII ABO, the season changes and, it is the season
of DIGO ANE—mother of crops. Keeping aside PODII DOGIN, PODII BARJI and DOOGIN all
other occasions are named in the name of DIGO ANE who makes the whole of them into
two more types of observances and celebrations—DIGO JETE and NYIINE JETE. To discuss
about vegetation, new plantation, new cropping or agriculture, it’s all about DIGO
ANE whose region or land is supposed to be somewhere in the lower portion of the
land of TANII. All human being are quite aware of season and weather, time and tide
since long back. For new crops and new vegetation we are greatly concerned about
the change of season which our greatest attachment with DIGO ANE, Mother of crops.
Every time she is available with usin accordance to seasons and she is in our association.
Every bit of time has been witnessing a kind of observance or celebration in any
form which may be called DIGO BARJI or DIGO JETE in any family or locality or community
at least.

The main objective of celebrating MOOPIN means new vegetation, new cultivation which
requires the active participation and co-operation of DIGO ANE in the celebration.
The real importance of the festival during the celebration is given to DIGO ANE unnoticed.
She is the only concerned figure for new cultivation and the mother of all the crops
in all the land of Tanii. On the other hand the region of Moopin is located far far
away—beyond seas and oceans where she has big big shipyards with lots of big and
small beautifully multicoloured boats. The actual motive behind the celebration is
the involvement and active participation of DIGO ANE, morally or legally, is must
one, because she is the mother of all crops. Moopin is invited to the celebration
to grace the occasion in the capacity of a chief guest and bless the function a successful
one. She is known for her blessings everywhere.

There are two things to be remembered——DIGO MUUGO and PODII DOOGIN. Digo means DIGO
and MUUGO means wish or like to recollect, to remember one thing good already tested,
experienced, witnessed, and; wish to test or get the same again and again——means
DIGO ANE is wilfully in readiness to co-operate us timely.

Logically or myth logically DIGO MUUGO and PODII DOOGIN are same persons, seasons,
events or occasions who or which are wilfully keeping themselves in readiness to
help us our vegetation or Green Revolution in time-every month, every season they
are in our association. (The writer is Retired Teacher, Awardee of Galo, Welfare
Society, state awardee and senior citizen of west siang district.)

NCP promises to solve Assam-Arunachal boundary problems if voted to power

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: The NCP central campaign team comprising of P. A. Sangma former
Lok Shaba Speaker-cum-National General Secretary NCP, Kamakshi Mehlwal National General
Secretary Nationalist Mahila Congress and Suniti Sonuwal in-charge President of Assam
NCP addressed a series of public meetings at Bihpuria, Dholpur and Narayanpur in
Assam under Bihupuria constituency to ensure victory of NCP candidate Profulla Bora
on the last day of campaigning today. This was informed by the Arunachal Pradesh
State NCP President and NCP observer for the ensuing Assam state election Ngurang
Pinch stated in a release.

Today’s public meetings were preceded by a series of meetings attended by Arunachal
NCP MLA Ralom Borang, state NCP Vice President Kahfa Bengia, Tad Tana, Karto Kaye,
Nera Techi, Gumke Riba, Teli Daniel and others who are whole heartedly working for
the NCP candidates in Assam.

Highlighted the various corrupt activities of Congress Government headed by Tarun
Gogoi, the NCP leaders during poll campaign alleged that the Assam-Arunachal boundary
problem was created by Congress governments in Assam and Arunachal, not by the people
of both the neighbouring states. The boundary problem is a long pending issue that
could not be solved in spite of Congress governments in both the states, the said.

The NCP leaders assured that if NCP comes to power the party would fulfill its commitment
to bring amicable solution to the vexed boundary issue and also promised to bring
peace and normalcy in the boundary area by providing basic amenities like water supply,
electricity, schools, Hospital facilities, link roads etc. Underscoring the need
to promote mutual understanding between the sisterly said, the State NCP leaders
said that Congress governments in both the states are creating problems for the
tribal people who are living along the Arunachal- Assam border area since time immemorial.

Addressing a mammoth rally at Nagoan today Parliamentary Secretary Karikho Kri appealed
to the voters to elect sitting MLA Bolin Chetia for the second term as he had displayed
unparallel leadership quality during his first stint working for the welfare and
development of the region. He further dwelt upon welfare measure undertaken by the
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for prosperity of the common people in Assam and achievements
of the UPA government at the centre.

The voters of Sadiya Assembly constituency lauded the visit of Parliamentary Secretary
(Transport) Karikho Kri to their constituency. One of the voters of Nagoan said ‘Such
cross boundary campaign for the Congress party will promote camaraderie and peace
amongst the citizens’. Sadiya Assembly constituency is adjacent to 44-Tezu (ST) Assembly
constituency in Arunachal Pradesh.

ZPMs of Tezu-Sunpura and President, Bock Congress Committee accompanied the Parliamentary
Secretary during the campaign tour of Sadiya Assembly constituency.

Training programme on

vermicompost ends

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: A three day Farmer Exposure cum Training Programme on Vermicompost
and Organic Farming organized by the Manghi Welfare Society at Multi Disciplinary
Training Centre, Arunachal Pradesh Seva Sang, Midpu, Doimukh concluded yesterday.
The programme was sponsored by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD).

Altogether 20 farmers members of the Society from Nyapin and Sangram Circle took
part in the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, K. Vaiphei, Assistant General Manager, NABARD, RO, Itanagar
emphasized on self-employment venture like organic farming. He further called
upon the farmers to work hard in order to tap various opportunities in the region
and also enlightened the gathering with multi-facet business ideas. He fosterered
MWS to facilitate and initiate the organic farming and for establishment of small
vermicompost plant in Kurung Kumey region in order to generate some income to farmer’s
members as well as SHGs.

Sanjay Nath was the trainers and resource person in the programme. V.N. Rai, Principal
of Multi Disciplinary Training Centre extended full cooperation during the entire
programme. The farmers learnt about the usage of vermicompost and various techniques
to cultivate an organic farming.

Ngurang Tado, President, Manghi Welfare Society (MWS) promised to work copiously
for the upliftment of the farmer clubs and SHGs in the region.

Army conducts Medical Camp in insurgency-hit Tirap

KHONSA, Apr 1: 14 Rajput under aegis of Dah Division organized a medical camp as
part of Operation Sadbhavana at Ngamding, a remote village of Tirap district. Army
doctors with the cooperation of the doctors and nursing staff of PHC Longding and
Kanubari provided medical assistance to more than 500 patients in the camp. Patients
from far flung villages of Longding-Kanubari sub divisions poured in to avail medical
treatment.

The medical camp was inaugurated by Vikramjit Singh, SP Tirap in the presence of
Col AP Agarwal- Commanding Officer 14 Rajput and other dignitaries of Kanubari and
Longding sub division.

Apart from the medical camp, a Hindi movie was screened by the army unit for the
villagers. In addition, SP Tirap also listened to public grievances and assured to
resolve them at the earliest. The effort was widely appreciated by the villagers
and civil administration.

Youth library movement in Lohit lauded in NBT seminar in Mizoram

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: The first ever 2-day seminar on ‘Children’s Literature of the North-East:
the Changing scenario of Reading Habit’ held at the Mizoram University at Aizawl
has lauded the Reading campaign initiative of the Lohit Youth Library movement.

The seminar was jointly organized by the NBT India, New Delhi and Department of
Library and Information Science, Mizoram University on March 29-30. Delegates from
NCERT, New Delhi, university professors from Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Shillong,
authors, magazine editors, research scholars, library officials, SSA nominees and
library activists were present on the occasion. SSA Arunachal Pradesh was represented
by the Coordinator, VT-AWIC Youth Library Network, Lohit, who a through power point
presentation elaborated on how the Education Deptts of Lohit and Anjaw district
have been actively supporting and participating in the reading campaign of the Library
Network for the last 5 years. The presentation, which also highlighted how the young
rural tribal reader-activists have benefited from various library activities, was
highly appreciated by the delegates.

Introducing the Lohit Youth Library Movement in the seminar, Manas R Mahapatra, Editor,
National Centre for Children’s Literature (NCCL), New Delhi appreciated the close
interaction and pro-active efforts of the Lohit Deputy Commissioner that facilitated
the holding of several NBT activities in the region for the last one decade. He also
lauded Vivekananda Trust (HQ Mysore) for its consistent efforts to reach NBT’s excellent
and low-priced reading materials to the people of the remote areas of Dibang Valley
and Lohit districts, through book exhibitions and the Youth Library activities. Prashant
Lokhande, former DC Lohit and patron of the Lohit Youth Library Movement also congratulated
the young reader activists for their spirited efforts and complimented the NBT for
actively contributing to improve the reading habits of the youth of Lohit. Mahapatra,
has in turn, assured that NBT would take lead to encourage creative writing among
the youth of the region.

Some of the highlights of the seminar were ‘story-telling Initiative for improving
language proficiency in the tea-garden labour children of Assam’ by Dr. Shantanoo
Tamuly, well-known editor of Children’s magazines ‘Mouchaq’ and ‘Natun Awishcar’,
‘challenges of reading promotion in Tripura’ by Dr. Ashes Gupta of Tripura University,
and the ‘state of children’s literature & reading habit in Mizoram’ by Lalthangfala
Sailo, eminent scholar and President, Mizo Academy of Letters. Sailo also complimented
warmly the young reader activists of Lohit. Dr. M. Samantaray, Head, DLDI, NCERT
spoke of the NCERT’s efforts to make reading a vital part of classroom activities.
M. Haralu of Pratham, Nagaland spoke of promoting reading among rural Nagaland students,
through printed story-newsletters containing creative items by the young students.
This is an idea, which can be easily replicated at the local levels in Arunachal
by the district education depts. The SSA Arunachal Pradesh can also consider launching
a story-telling programme with the support of UNICEF or similar agencies.

The seminar has truly brought together many experts and reading activists to spark
a chain reaction in their respective areas, and help strengthen the reading environment
in the NE region.

I would like to thank all the people and all the organisations who have come forward
in support of the victims of the MMS scandal. Being a resident of Daporijo and an
Arunachali citizen, it is heartwarming to see all the support pouring in from all
quarters. We need more and more of such activism from the people against all such
atrocities and against all the illegal acts of the govt.

But the lackadaisical action of the concerned ministry is despicable and deserves
condemnation from all. I don't understand as to what went wrong with this particular
ministry or is it the bad luck of Mr. Dabi, the HM of the state, that during his
regime we are witnessing all sorts of turbulence in the action of the police department
and the department has further become turgid with the violation of every possible
human rights and law. It has been rightly termed by the APPDSU as "a weak home ministry".

Further, it is really surprising to see the comments of the Minister during the assembly
session, that was published in your daily, where the minister had claimed that "the
govt. was trying for settlement of the feud between the NSCN factions at Tirap and
Changlang". How ironic it is to know from our own Home Minister, that the govt.
is acting as an agency for settling the differences between the groups instead of
a strong will and action to wipe them out from state. Therefore it is no more surprising
to see all sorts of illegalities being committed by the police when the minister
himself is busy campaigning for elections in some other state, amidst all the hue
and cries for the infamous MMS scandal.

Lets all come together and let all the politicians know that, we want leaders and
not mere politicians".

Yours,

Duge Soki, (on email)

Popcorn Nationalism Vs Humane Nationalism

Dear Editor,

Radhika Tanwar (20) is shot dead in Delhi. We see the perpetrator of the murder in
the newspapers. We see protest marches brought out for the safety of women and girls.

Any rape, any murder in the city. We see the criminals.

Tarmetla, Chattisgarh. Hurre (20) is picked up by Indian government employed armed
forces to the Chintalnar police station, stripped and sexually assaulted. But we
donot see the perpetrators of the crime.

May we request the government of the world’s largest democracy to disclose the names
and pictures of security personals and policemen involved in crime?

The most unfortunate thing is the unconsciousness of the Great Indian middle class
towards the pathos, the concerns, the anguish, the rape of honour and subjugation
of the dignity of the oppressed sections of the sub-continent.

Sadly, the PM of India Manmohan Singh and all the ministers and bureaucrats are busy
with a cricket match and dinner party. No one has bothered to empathise with the
barbaric incidents in India’s hinterlands. The barbaric activities of the army and
police might move an Aruna Shanbaug, but not the politicians and chaps moving in
red-lights. There is nothing to expect from politicians and their corporate sponsors.
As for the central bureaucracy, it abounds in towtowing, ‘once-upon-a-time’ book-worms,
none of whom dare say, “The emperor is naked.”

What we see among the Indian educated, middle-class during a cricket match is the
best example of ‘Popcorn Nationalism’. In this breed of ‘patriotism’, people sit
on the couches and equate love for the country India (as demarcated by the British
rulers and remote-controlled by the Nehru dynasty for the last 63 years) with the
shouts for runs. This category of nationalism is safest for a government voted on
cash and run covertly by corporate interests. What is dangerous for the government
of India and the business tycoons is the spirit of ‘Humane Nationalism’, the champions
of which are the likes of Binayak Sen. This involves working for the subjugated,
giving them voice instead of shouting for millionaire cricketers. And this variety
of nationalism is something which the corrupt and greedy fear, as it goes against
their interests and threaten their profit-making schemes. Apart from being a rising
‘superpower’, India has become a nation without conscience.

Yours,

Sumaya Qadri, Srinagar

Pallavi Barua, Guwahati, (on email)

Time for some answers

Dear Editor,

This is in appreciation to the letter written by one Nabam Simon published in your
Daily on March 30. I truly appreciate his efforts in unearthing another shameful
act of the state Govt. Hope he is making a concrete basis of it. But nevertheless,
it is appalling, awful and simply disgracing to hear that political mischief are
taking place with such a high resonance in the state. It is disturbing to hear that
sponsoring of the student leaders for political mischief and vested interests have
drawn the Govt. in awarding power projects and SPA Fund allocations to them. I wonder
on what qualifications and prerogatives prompted the Govt. to award such projects
to them? Was there any tendering of such important projects? For what specific purpose,
the SPA funds were allocated to them? These are some of the questions that need to
be answered. One can easily judge the future of the student community of the state
where instead of harboring a just, disciplined and awakened “civil society” body;
a few selfish political ambitions, vested interests and larger political influences
are ruining the very existence of a true student body. One cannot simply blame the
student body for such a demeaning trends in its politics that is taking place, instead
larger and concrete questions have to be answered, as to why and how such changing
trends have developed and who are harboring and sponsoring it?

Yours,

Dusu Kaling

New Delhi, (on email)

Are we ready?

Dear Editor,

It is great to know that Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has taken initiative to connect
state with Computer Network lines. The need of computer network connectivity has
indeed been a long requirement not only for working professionals but most importantly
for people of tomorrow. In today's world, need of computer or computer knowledge
is what need of education was in last couple of decades. It has become requirement
rather than amenities or additional assets. The modern definition of literate doesn't
complete without including word "computer knowledge" in it. Also, one need not be
a computer graduate or professional to know how to operate/use computer. Computer
is built by computer professional who are called computer engineer for the common
people's convenience. It's time to make best use of technology which is called "one
of the most beautiful invention" in human generation. As everything comes with price,
we have to ponder about few points:

Does state government has adequate plan or resourceful person to implement this project
called "ASWAN" ? Because, we are relatively new to this field and there are many
loop holes to be addressed while connecting through computer especially connecting
nodes with confidential or important documents in office or at home. It is disappointing
to see lots of government confidential documents floating over Internet especially
from Arunachal Pradesh. If one search appropriately using Internet, he will get virtually
everything government has stored in computer. Please fence before seeds are sown
in field.

People need to know dark side while using networked computer. If you are connected
to Internet, you are connected to the world. The action you do, the content you keep,
upload or download to/from Internet should be done with care. Simple trick is, learn
to defence before begin attacking.

Student and young people should use Internet/computer with good purpose. It is said
"one can use knife either for killing people or for cutting vegetable". It's true
with Internet too. Use it for good, you have got the best way to the world or you
have the world in your finger tips or you virtually have every resource for learning.
Use it for wrong purpose, you are your own peril.

People, especially parents, attitude towards their kids taking computer professional
education need to be more encouraging. We have this mental attitude that taking computer
professional education means no work in our state or at best an operator. We fail
to see the positive side that good education in this field is passport to the world.
But having that, students taking this field for specialization need to know that
"world has gone far ahead in this field with more concentrated of brains around the
world. Matching up to them won't be an easy chase". This is what some of our former
students could not realized I feel. But other guys like Honi Bayang still got through
who also had a choice to come back to serve state.

Hoping the initiative is not just a papered one and/or the project doesn't land up
in wrong hand, I extend my best wishes to govt and the people of Arunachal Pradesh
for networked society.

Yours,

Nabam Serbang,

(on email)

Time for specializations

Dear Editor,

Apropos to news items of March 28 issue, captioned “Around 2000 illegal appointment
in various Govt. dept. Unearthed” might have shocked everyone. In fact, the land
of rising sun becomes the land of rising corruption at its early age. The persons
in political domain seem busy in chasing material gain rather than to serve the people.
Democracy is on decline. The value and ethics of politicians have submerged. Ganatantra
(Republic) has become a Dhanatantra (Money Government) these days.

A high profile study group led by S.K. Agnihotri, chairman of North-East study group
was constituted by Ministry of Home Affairs in 2002 to draw up a 25-year vision on
socio-economic development of the North-East had already made some interesting observation
on the current state of affairs in the region. It blames corruption, insurgency and
“Contractor Raj”, for the turmoil in the seven states of the region. A parallel system
of governance by the insurgents on the one hand and ministers, MLAs, the bureaucracy
and police on the other hand, is responsible for backwardness in the region. So far
the government has been the main employer in our state. With time, however, jobs
in the government Dept. are meant for the rich class only. As such, frustration of
the educated unemployed youth had often found expression in many forms. The youths
do not need much encouragement to take to arms since it provides easy money when
you have a gun in your hand.

Instead of realization, our leaders are adding further boost to specialization by
a new, fast-growing and extremely lucrative industry which has stumped with own trademark.
The reference of the course is not to IT and Silicon Valley, which is already old
hat, but to the sunrise industry of corruption and scams and what might be called
“Con-Valley” without “Sili”. The proliferations of corruption and scam promises to
breed a host of new specializations, including that of “Corruptonomics”, or economics
of corruption, “Scamonomics”, or economics of scam, “Scamologists”, who study the
psychological impact of scamming. Bureaucrats and Engineers, of course act like a
gloss on corruptions and scams that swift easily into their shares. Will Government
realize it? Or ready to taste the bitterness of youths of this “Lost generation”
in the days to come.

Yours,

Taw Teri,

Roing, (on email)

********************************

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal
address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

----Editor

NewsImpact

10th ITBP celebrates Flower Day

KIMIN, Apr 1: The Kimin-based 10th ITBP celebrated the Flower Day with great
zeal and enthusiasm on March 31 at Kimin. All the family members of the jawans
took part in the flower show organized on the occasion.

Two of the best participants were also rewarded by Rajesh Kumar Tomar, Commandant
10th ITBP for their Bouquets. The winners were Bindu, wife of Const. Shaji Josheps
and Aleya Mahamuda, wife of Const. Fazal Haque Mondal. While addressing the participants,
Tomar encouraged the participants to continue their activities with enthusiasm.
Emphasizing the need of maintaining greenery of the earth, he also called upon
the participants to take up floriculture in any small land area.

Achievement lauded

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: Lendo Ao Welfare Association (LAWA) congratulated Shimon Doke and
others for cracking NDA examination. It hoped that their achievement would inspire
the coming generation. It also appreciated ANSU’s anti-tobacco drive for the welfare
of school-going children.

Meanwhile, expressing serious concern over reports of missing persons appearing in
newspapers, Lendo Ao Welfare Association has urged the Home Department to take serious
note of the matter and make an inquiry in this regard.

State AITC team continues electioneering in Assam

ITANGAR, April 1: Continuing its electioneering in support of its party candidates
in neighboring Assam, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Arunachal Pradesh unit
team headed by its president Toko Sheetal addressed public rally at Dhemaji Open
Stadium, Assam in support of party candidate Khargaraj Pegu. Assam is going for 1st
phase of Assembly election on April 4 next. The campaigning team including MLAs
Tani Loffa and Kamthok Lowang along with Domin Loya, General Secretary, and Paramjit
Kaur, Political Secretary cum representative of Kanwar Deep Singh, the RS MP, Observer
cum Incharge NE States AITC also addressed a public meeting at Gogamukh in Dhemaji
district and interact with the electorates. They made an appeal to the voters to
elects AITC Tribal Candidate K Pegu for peace and all development.

APST announces revised bus fare

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services has revised the existing passenger
fares from 0.88 paisa per kilometer per seat to Rs. 1.25 and the freight rates are
also revised from 0.70 paisa to Rs1.07 per 100 kilograms per km with free carriage
of personal luggage upto 20 kg per person at a time. The revise fares and rates will
be enforced from April 5 next.

As part of the innovation this year the Galo Ponu has been part of the folk dance
competition (under twenty category). Other important activities includes photo exhibition
on Galo and Mopin, release of a souvenir, agam decoration of the stage with artificial
mithun horn to showcase that without killing too many hobo a house can be traditionally
decorated and organization of community feast on 6th, informed Dr.T. Padu, President
cum Pingi Neri, MFCCI Capital complex Itanagar.